Stacking huge stands

[Double-G]

I have a 8'x4'x2' tank (480g) on a rectangular stand that measures the same size. The stand is made of some sort of compressed wood and is professional quality, puchased from a well known manufacturer (Tenecor).

I want to rasie the height of my tank but cannnot fit a taller stand through my door way. Would it be dangerous to purchase another stand (same exact size) and stack it on top of my exisiting stand, and then place the tank on top of the two stacked stands? The tank is in the basement, so there are no fall through the no floor issues, but is there something else that makes this dangerous? Thanks.

[Alex]

That would be a bad idea for stability reasons. Also, with a 8' long tank if the stands weren't very true and flat you could crack the tank if the wood in one of the stands shifts.

Alex

[perrito_blanco]

Consider ditching the stand for cinder blocks and plywood. You can create a cinder block stand to any specs you want. It's cheap too.

[TomFromStLouis]

It might be made to work. Although I am not a fan of compressed wood, if one stand holds the tank, I doubt the same stand could not hold the tank plus another stand.

Is the 4' dimension height or front-to-back depth? If the latter, you have a large stable footprint and then maybe the only issue is coupling the two stands so they stay in vertical alignment. Dowels or biscuits or screws might do the trick. Again, compressed wood does not hold fasteners the best but doubtless you could find a secure connection. If your footprint is only 8x2, I too worry about stability with greater height. Especially if you live where the earth might shake.

But do tell, why do you want the tank so high up in the air? And, assuming money is not a limiting factor, wouldn't a single custom stand of the right height look nicer and give you more useful storage?

[Double-G]

Thanks all.

Tom: The foot print of the tank and existing stand is 8' x 4', with the 2' measurement being the height of the tank. As far as a custom stand, it would have to be built in my basement because otherwise I can't get it though the door (which is only 28" wide). I just haven't a clue who could build a custom stand that would hold a tank weighing a few thousand pounds. I am certainly not up for the task. I'll ask around.

Thanks for you advice.

[TomFromStLouis]

Any professional woodworking shop would be glad to move from kitchen cabinets to a custom stand for once. They could manufacture several pieces to fit together on site or something - these folks love a challenge. As for the weight, they can design that too no problem. Eight 2x2 posts with a sheet of thick plywood for the top and Bob's your uncle. Nice raised panel doors, maybe a shelf or two in one bay...

I made mine of walnut. Picture fine furniture wood holding up your tank and you will WANT it!

[Double-G]

Thanks Tom. I'll look into it. Appreciate the advice.